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Posted: Friday 21st February 2020

Powell previews Wakefield clash

Head coach Daryl Powell has shared his thoughts ahead of tonight’s clash for the Adam Watene Trophy.

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The Tigers return to the Mend-A-Hose Jungle for what should be a thrilling encounter under the lights against local rivals Wakefield Trinity in round four of the Betfred Super League.

Speaking to www.castlefordtigers.com, Powell hopes Castleford will get back on track following last week’s defeat to Catalans and make it three wins from four so far this season.

“This is just about us; I don’t think they need any extra motivation after last week. It’s an important game for us this week, obviously it’s a local derby and for the fans and everyone concerned with the club it’s a lot, it’s a real focus of attention.

“I just thought it was poor (last week) and just a lot of players were way off and we never really got the game back. I thought there were a couple of periods there where we looked like we might have something about us, but you know it fizzed out pretty quick and we didn’t have any consistency of effort or accuracy to be able to get over the top.

“They (Wakefield) had a great win last week, so you know they probably come into this as favourites. We just need to play well I thought we were so poor last week, so I think pretty much every department that has a lot of work to do.”

In recent meetings between the sides, Castleford have put on the stronger performances to get the win, both at the Jungle and at The Mobile Rocket Stadium last season.

In fact, the Fords have won the last 13 matches between the two local rivals and Powell’s men will be boosted by the return of centre Peter Mata’utia from his suspension.

“Pete will come back so there’s probably going to be a bit of a change on the right edge. But it will probably be the week after, where we start to see the potential for a few other players coming back and then obviously it comes down to the boys, who have got to play well.

“We don’t look too far ahead at the moment, this three from four challenge is a significant one for us and you always like to break the season down the long-term stuff will look after itself, if you get things right in the short run, and I just think it’s this game ahead of us which is important.”